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Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano: A Siena Sanctuary

Explore Siena's Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano, a stunning church with rich history, art, and Palio traditions.

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The Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano, a Catholic church in Siena, is a late-Renaissance-Baroque style structure built around a 14th-century terracotta icon of the Madonna. Known for its association with the Palio di Siena, the church is a pilgrimage site attracting visitors with its architecture and serene atmosphere.

A brief summary to Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano

Local tips

  • Visit during the Palio di Siena (July 2nd) to witness the unique traditions and celebrations associated with the Madonna di Provenzano.
  • Explore the artworks inside the church, including paintings by Rutilio Manetti, Francesco Rustici, and Giovanni Domenico Manenti.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the architecture, particularly the white marble facade and the dome at the crossing of the transept.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Piazza Provenzano, enjoying the local atmosphere and nearby cafes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza del Campo, walk north along Via di Città, then turn right onto Via delle Vergini. Continue onto Piazza di Provenzano. The Collegiata will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Siena train station, take bus lines 9 or 10 to Piazza Gramsci. From Piazza Gramsci, walk south along Via Tozzi, then turn left onto Via Sallustio Bandini. Continue onto Piazza di Provenzano. The Collegiata will be on your left. Alternatively, from Piazza del Campo, several local buses stop at Piazza Indipendenza, a short walk from the Collegiata. A one-way bus ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Siena. A taxi from the train station to Piazza Provenzano typically costs between €15-€17. A short ride within the city center will likely cost around €8-€10. You can call for a taxi at +39 0577 49222.

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Discover more about Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano

The Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano, located in Piazza Provenzano Salvani, is a significant Roman Catholic church in Siena, Italy. This collegiate church, built in the late-Renaissance-Baroque style, is dedicated to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Elizabeth. The church is famous for housing the Madonna di Provenzano, a 14th-century terracotta icon credited with miracles. Construction of the church began in 1595 and was completed in 1611, with consecration by Archbishop Camillo Borghesi. The church was built to enshrine the revered icon of the Madonna, which was originally located on the wall of a house in the neighborhood. The event was captured in a painting by Taddeo Gregori, now housed in the Sacristy. The church has a Latin Cross layout, a white marble facade, and a peaked dome. Inside, visitors can admire artworks such as the Mass of San Cerbone by Rutilio Manetti and canvases by Francesco Rustici and Giovanni Domenico Manenti. The Madonna di Provenzano is deeply connected to the Palio di Siena, a famous horse race held annually on July 2nd. The Palio is run in honor of the Madonna di Provenzano, and the banner (drappellone) awarded to the winning contrada (neighborhood) always depicts her image. Before the race, the drappellone is brought to the church and displayed. The worship of Madonna di Provenzano developed after the fall of the Republic of Siena. Visiting the Insigne Collegiata offers a blend of religious, artistic, and cultural experiences. The church stands as a testament to Siena's traditions and artistic heritage.

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